Black History Month: Recalling a rough road and paving the way for the future

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has passed and we are now celebrating Black History Month.

It is befitting that MLK Day precedes Black History Month. Martin Luther King and so many others are the reason we have a month celebrating black history. His involvement in the civil rights movement helped many African Americans realize that they could be equal with white Americans.

King, Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks and so many others sacrificed and went through humiliation on our behalf. They were moved by the hands of God, and their efforts should never be overlooked.

As I learned through the years what my African American forerunners went through, I came to believe that each one of us today must carry the torch of equality and justice for all. I can and will go to any restaurant, sit where I want on the bus, open any door and, most importantly, vote. I will demand that I am judged by my character, not the color of my skin.

The African Americans that we honor during Black History Month wanted us to see that we need not be separated from white people, but that we should be treated as equal to them. That we should walk, live, learn, eat and even take part in fellowship with them.

We must study our history and teach our children our history so we can all take pride in the civil rights movement, and so that we are all inspired by the strength of those who went before us to continue to seek peace and justice.

It was because of the example of King and others that I was able to walk into the Santa Ana Elks Lodge in the fall of 2010 and become the first black person to join.

I must admit that the first time I walked in, I looked around and saw the framed photo portraits of rows and rows of white men on the wall looking down at me, and I let that old ghost of intimidation creep up on me. I faintly heard someone say, “Can I help you sweetie, are ya lost?”

Boy, I left so quickly, I don't remember if I said anything back to that voice.

But, praise be to God, he gave me the courage of my ancestors. I went back and I am still there today.

I met a Latino woman and asked if there were any black members; she told me no. I asked her how I could join, and she said you just need to know someone to sponsor you. Well, you guessed it: She brought me in. She was the first female officer of the club, and I was the first black member.

I thought to myself, “Wow. There are Latinos and whites fellowshipping and no blacks. It must be that my black brothers and sisters just did not know that they could open the door and walk in.”

My first year as a member was amazing. I was very much welcomed and wanted others to see that they would be, too. I asked the president of Santa Ana Black Historical Society, a well-known black preacher, local members of the NAACP and others to join. Now the club has a number of black members.

Remembering King and all the others who led the way – not only on his day or during Black History Month – can help us all find the strength and courage to make a difference.

Following the lit road of those who walked before me has helped me to see the way of keeping the torch for equality for all.

– Teddie Carr is a resident of Santa Ana and a member of the Santa Ana Elks Club.